A Christmas Homecoming (Bar V5 Ranch)

by Melissa McClone

  Tall cabinets were across from him. Hooks holding hats, thick pants, and jackets hung on the wall to his left.

  Sweat beaded on the back of his neck. He tugged on his collar. Waiting until Ellie arrived to put on his winter gear would have been smart.

  The door opened. Ellie peeked inside. Her light blue hat brought out the color of her eyes. “Ready?”

  He’d been ready since ten-thirty. He stood, tugged on his gloves. “All set.”

  His muscles twitched. Anticipation or nerves? He shouldn’t be nervous around Ellie. She was like Nate, a familiar, friendly face from the past. They were doing each other favors. Nothing else.

  So why did this feel sort of like a date?

  “Come on.” Her tone was springtime cheery. No jingle sounded. She must not be wearing her bell. “We don’t want this lovely winter sunshine to go to waste.”

  Josiah stepped outside, closed the door behind him, and inhaled the fresh, cold air. The cloudless Montana sky went on forever. Her hat, her eyes, the sky—blue was his new favorite color.

  He’d forgotten about gorgeous days like this. Memories of not fitting in and wanting to get away from Marietta had pushed aside the good ones. “Beautiful.”

  He looked at Ellie. Whatever else he’d planned to say froze on the tip of his tongue.

  Long, straight blonde hair fell from the bottom of her hat. Her red thigh-length coat stood out against the snow. She wore her jeans tucked inside her boots. A scarf around her neck and mittens on her hands kept her warm. The mismatch of patterns and colors was attractive and adorable.

  “A storm’s predicted to hit tomorrow, so unless we go out early, we’ll be walking inside.” Her breath hung on the air. The cold turned her cheeks and nose a charming pink, but her smile warmed him like the sun. “We should make the most of walking outside today.”

  He didn’t care where they were, as long as they were together. “Let’s go.”

  She headed down a path. “We’ll start slowly and increase the distance each time. The goal is recovery and increased endurance. There’s no reason to let walking stress your body after everything you’ve been through.”

  His boots sank into the snow, but his feet stayed dry and warm. A good thing Tamara had packed his own shoes, rather than buy him new ones. These were broken in. “Sounds like you’ve done this before.”

  “A long time ago with Buck.” Ellie shoved gloved hands in her jacket pockets. “My mom slept while we went for walks or worked on his exercises. She needed those naps.”

  “You were taking care of others when you were a kid.”

  She shrugged. “It’s what I did. Still do, I guess.”

  “Who takes care of you?”

  Ellie’s pace slowed. “I do.”

  Her answer didn’t surprise him. “That doesn’t seem fair.”

  Another shrug. “Fair enough. Someday there will be someone, but for now I’m doing a good job myself.”

  “You are. You’ve had practice.”

  “Practice makes perfect.”

  But that didn’t mean Ellie taking care of herself was right. While Josiah was in town, he could look out for her.

  Snow covered the branches of trees, pure white and fluffy, dolloped like icing from one of the bags he’d thrown away last night. A bird flew overhead, soaring and dipping in the air currents, its dark wings contrasting with the blue sky. Somewhere a horse neighed, a sound he wasn’t used to hearing where he lived.

  “Are you enjoying the walk?” she asked.

  Unexpected contentment flowed through him and lifted his spirits. “I’d forgotten how pretty Montana is.”

  “I’m a lifer.”

  “Aren’t you a little young to know that?”

  “I’m twenty-five. Old enough to know that I have everything I want right here.” She spoke with confidence, no hesitation.

  “Maybe you do know.” He’d been that certain during college. “I was twenty-one when I decided to live in the Bay Area. All the talent I needed to make Whit Tech a success could be found in Silicon Valley. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

  “So where you live was a business decision, not a personal one?”

  He mulled over her question. The company he’d wanted to found, what became Whit Tech, had been the driving force in everything he did, then and now. Josiah never separated business decisions from personal ones. “It’s the same thing for me.”

  “I see.”

  Only two words, but her critical tone bugged the hell out of him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “The business part of you hates Christmas because of the effect on your company. But you’ve let that influence your personal feelings about the holiday.”

  “Both parts hate it.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I do.” A bird landed in a tree. Snow from the branch fell to the ground. “Even though I’m not fond of Christmas, I like winter. Walking through the snow on a gorgeous morning is the antithesis of working in an office building. No artificial lighting or phones ringing or people trying to get my attention. I could get used to this.”

  He inhaled deeply.

  Mischief gleamed in her eyes. “You’d better watch out, Mr. Grinch. You might catch a hint of pine in the air and find yourself incapacitated by the smells of Christmas.”

  “Christmas isn’t my kryptonite.”

  “What is?”

  He’d left himself open for that question, but knew the answer. “Catching the garter at weddings.”

  She studied him. “Do you have an aversion to feminine lacy things or to marriage?”

  “Marriage.” He imagined what lacy things she might be wearing. “I like the other.”

  “A garter toss is a fun wedding tradition.”

  “Like mistletoe kisses are a fun Christmas custom?”

  Staring at the bird in the tree, she rubbed her lips together. “Yes.”

  “A quick kiss is one thing, but catching the garter might give women the wrong impression. People either want to be a billionaire or marry one. Weddings bring out the latter. Best to avoid that.”

  “Hands in your pockets, at the back of the pack, looking anywhere but at the groom.”

  “Exactly, except I prefer stepping out of the room during the actual toss. Safer that way.”

  She laughed.

  “Do you try to catch the bridal bouquet at weddings?” he asked.

  “Yes. I would love to catch one. But I’ve never knocked anyone over to reach the bouquet first.” Her soft smile made him wonder what she was thinking. “At Ty and Meg’s wedding, the flowers brushed my fingertips, but someone else grabbed it.”

  “You want to get married?”

  “I’ve dreamed about getting married, having the white picket fence in the front yard, kids and pets since I was a little girl.” Her voice had a touch of whimsy. That surprised him given how practical she seemed. “Someday.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  “I need to find the right guy.” Her gaze met his, and then she stared down the path. “I’m still looking. If you’re adverse to marriage, finding Ms. Right must not be a priority.”

  “No. She could be right below my nose and I wouldn’t notice,” he admitted. “Whit Tech takes all my time. Even here, I think about what’s going on without me. Getting serious with anyone would be a mistake.”

  “You live in a completely different world from mine.”

  He’d thought the same thing. “If I were at the office right now, I’d be in a meeting or on a conference call or trying to deal with ten things at once that should have been fixed the day before.”

  “No wonder you got so sick.” She patted his shoulder. “You must have been exhausted.”

  Different worlds didn’t begin to describe how opposite their lives were, yet her touch comforted. Josiah wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

  But he wasn’t sure how to think of Ellie. Not the help or a potential date. Maybe a...friend?

  “I know
what you should do. Memorize every detail of your time here.” She lifted her hand from him and spun around. “Look at this place.”

  Labeling her wouldn’t change him wanting to capture her joy—her beaming face tipped back and sparkling eyes.

  “You can use the memories when things get stressful at work,” she suggested.

  Stress existed 24/7 in his world. Some nights he hadn’t been able to sleep. But pleasant memories might help him unwind. “Maybe Nate has a video camera I could borrow.”

  “Don’t rely on video.” Her voice chastised as if he were jaywalking across a busy six-lane boulevard, not wanting to film soothing scenery. “It sounds like you spend your waking hours at a keyboard in front of a monitor with a phone at your ear. While you’re here, make the most of your five senses.”

  “Taking a video is easier.”

  “Easier isn’t always better.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him off the path. “Come on.”

  The snow was two feet deep, maybe more. His feet sunk up to his knees. He had to slow down and move carefully, postholing each step.

  She led him to a fence and clicked her tongue.

  He smelled a tinge of manure and hay and something else...

  A chestnut colt ran towards her.

  Horse. That was the smell he’d forgotten. This one must have neighed earlier.

  “Hello, Tracer.” The young horse sniffed Ellie’s gloved hand, and then she rubbed the side of his face. “This is Josiah.”

  He hadn’t talked to a horse since being out at Buck’s ranch in high school. “Hey, Tracer.”

  “This handsome fellow belongs to Brooklyn.” Ellie looked at Josiah. “You can pet him.”

  “Or not.” The expectant look in her pretty eyes made him stick out his arm. Tracer nudged his hand. Once, twice until Josiah’s palm was at the horse’s neck. He scratched. “Okay, I can take the hint.”

  “Tracer likes that. He likes you.”

  “That’s only because I can reach farther than you. He likes neck rubs.”

  “You don’t seem to mind.”

  “I don’t.” The horse felt solid beneath Josiah’s hand. “So strong. All muscle. Even though he’s young.”

  “Knew you’d like this.” Her laughter hung on the air. Tracer neighed as if adding his opinion. “I bet if you were taking a video right now, you wouldn’t be paying as close attention because you could go back and watch later.”

  Josiah wanted to make a smart aleck remark about not having to smell manure, but didn’t. “You’re right.”

  His words brightened her face. She kissed the horse’s nose. “Enjoyed visiting with you, handsome boy, but we need to keep walking. Next time, I’ll bring you an apple.”

  “What about me?” Josiah asked.

  “I can bring you an apple, too.”

  He was thinking of a kiss. Though he didn’t want one on his nose or forehead or cheek. Now the lips...

  This would be the perfect setting, the two of them surrounded by cool, crisp air and clear skies. Sunshine, smiles, and smooches. He grinned.

  “Ready to head back to the house or keep going?” she asked.

  Stopping to visit the horse had given him a break. He wasn’t out of breath, and his legs didn’t ache. “Let’s keep walking.”

  She pointed at Josiah’s feet. “Your pant legs are wet. Let’s get back on the path where the snow isn’t as deep.”

  She took a step, jerked backwards. Her scarf had caught on the fence post and pulled against her. Her arms flew out. Her feet slipped. Down, she was going down.

  He reached out, but his hand found only air.

  She hit the snow with a thud. “Ouch.”

  Josiah kneeled at her side, touched her arm. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Okay.” Her voice sounded shaky, quiet as if she was trying to catch her breath.

  “Your head?” he asked.

  “Fine. I landed on my butt where there’s extra padding. My ego’s a little bruised, but that won’t leave a mark.” She pointed to where a piece of her scarf hung off a nail. “Could have been worse.”

  Josiah liked how she made the best out of a situation. He held out his arm. “Here.”

  She clasped his hand.

  As he pulled her up, his muscles trembled. Shook.

  Crap. He wasn’t going to be able to hold on, but he couldn’t let go. As she fell back, he tumbled forward. He hit the ground.

  “Ugh.” Josiah was on top of Ellie, his hands on either side of her. He stared into her blue eyes, only inches from his. Her lips seemed closer. “So much for chivalry. I’m sorry.”

  “I appreciate the help, but we both forgot you’re recovering.”

  That was no excuse. He didn’t know what to say.

  She pulled her other hand from her pocket. Something green flashed against her mitten, but he couldn’t focus on anything except how useless he was.

  Less than a man. A weak, worthless...

  “Oh, look. Mistletoe is stuck on my mitten,” she said. “We shouldn’t let this go to waste.”

  Holding her hand over his head, she kissed him on the lips.

  Whoa.

  Ellie continued pressing her mouth against his with an eagerness that surprised him.

  She was kissing him. And he wasn’t kissing her. He’d fix that.

  He kissed her back.

  Heat pulsed through his veins. He liked the way Ellie moved her lips over his. She tasted warm and sweet and a little like coffee.

  Hell, this was awesome.

  He hadn’t been kissed since he’d gotten sick, but his memory wasn’t that bad. He’d never been kissed like this. She made him feel strong and healthy and desirable.

  Desire surged, spreading throughout him.

  Being with her like this felt natural and right and...

  She arched toward him.

  Josiah leaned into her, wanting to be closer. His body sprang to life as it had with her hug, but soon she’d see how turned on he was. He didn’t want to stop, but he’d embarrassed himself enough. He stopped kissing her.

  Wide, blue eyes stared up at him. Surprise and curiosity filled her gaze. Her flushed cheeks, once pink, burned red. Her ragged breathing matched his.

  But his wasn’t from being winded, talking, walking or falling on top of her. His heavy breathing was a result of her kiss. Make that kisses.

  All his parts were in working order. He was grateful to know that. He wanted to kiss her again. “Never thought about carrying mistletoe wherever I go. Brilliant idea.”

  “I-I...” she moistened her lips.

  The horse neighed.

  Josiah kept his gaze on Ellie. “Tracer wants another kiss or the apple you promised him. I’d take either myself. Though I know which I’d prefer.”

  “I didn’t know what else to do.” The words flew out of her mouth. “After we fell, your smile went away. You seemed so sad.”

  “So you kissed me?”

  “It worked.” She rose up slightly. Her hat was askew. She looked cute and kissable. “You’re smiling now.”

  “I am.” He felt like laughing. She’d kissed him, not the other way around. That made all the difference.

  “But you’re wet.” She wiggled beneath him, and heat rushed through him. “You can’t get sick again. We have to get you back inside. Except I can’t get up.”

  Oh, crap. He was on top of her. He scrambled to his feet. “I must have crushed you.”

  “Montanan women are strong.” She stood and brushed off her backside. “You okay?”

  “Thanks to your mistletoe kiss, I’m great.”

  Ellie stared up, her eyes a little wild. She breathed faster, and she kept moving her hands. “You liked it?”

  “A lot.” His lips tingled. Other parts, too. His entire body felt as if it were grinning. “You said going all-in for Christmas was required. Are you sure I can’t go all-in for mistletoe?”

  She was smiling now. “I’ll reread the rules.”

  “Please do because
I’ve never felt better.” He held her mitten-covered hand against his chest. “And I don’t want this feeling to end.”

  Ellie tromped through the snow, keeping her gaze focused on the path, so she wouldn’t look at Josiah walking on her right. Her lips throbbed, wanting more kisses. That was a big problem. Ginormous, as Brooklyn would say, but Ellie managed to put one foot in front of the other and not fall flat on her face.

  What was she going to do?

  Mistletoe kisses were supposed to be simple and fun, but kissing Josiah had changed her definition of what a kiss could be. There was nothing simple about what they’d shared. Fun, yes, but in a different way. A way that had her thinking about weddings, family, and forever.

  Bad, bad, bad.

  “Hey, slow down.” Josiah touched her shoulder. “There’s no rush to get back.”

  Except there was.

  Any minute, Ellie might lose it, but she could hold herself together for a few more minutes. She didn’t want to tire him out. No need to speed like the Krampus was chasing them, eager to punish her and Josiah like bad children for misbehaving. Well, kissing.

  She slowed her steps. “Better?”

  “Yes.” He lowered his hand, and she missed his touch.

  Ellie shot a sideward glance his way. Her heart melted.

  He had the biggest, sweetest smile on his face. Breathtakingly stunning.

  Like the rest of him.

  His tan beanie brought out the brown in his eyes. His red sweater screamed Christmas. He was dressed for the holiday season, even if he would never admit it. His casual jacket and not-so-worn jeans made him look normal and approachable, not like a billionaire who made the richest men in America lists on a regular basis.

  Kissing him the first time had made sense. She’d had a reason—to make him smile. The mistletoe had been a sign of how to make that happen.

  But why did she want to kiss him again?

  Josiah looked at the trees on either side of them. “Some trees drop their leaves and spend the winter bare, but are as appealing as the evergreens with snow laden branches. Mother Nature didn’t forget anything on this beautiful day.”

  Ellie nodded. She could say the same thing about him.

  “This place is growing on me,” he said.